FIA allowing team orders

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MONACO -- Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), will end its ban on team orders as part of its regulations changes for the 2011 season.

The FIA announced the changes for next season following the final World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting of the year on Friday in Monaco.

"The article forbidding team orders (39.1) is deleted," the governing body said in a statement. "Teams will be reminded that any actions liable to bring the sport into disrepute are dealt with under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code and any other relevant positions."

In July, the FIA fined Ferrari $100,000 after race stewards concluded that the Italian team gave driver Felipe Massa team orders to move aside and allow teammate Fernando Alonso to take the lead with less than 20 laps remaining in the German Grand Prix. Massa had the dominant car in the race.

Alonso, who remained in world championship contention at the time, won the German GP, while Massa finished second. Ferrari argued their action did not constitute a team order.

Among the other changes for next season include: revisions to driving and driver conduct, a limit on the width of the fast lane in the pits and clarification on when cars can overtake the safety car, as well as the re-introduction of intermediate tires and an amendment requiring gearboxes to be used for five consecutive races instead of four.

The FIA also revealed a major technical revision for the 2013 season, with the introduction of a new engine formula replacing the current 2.4 liter V8s with 1.6 liter four-cylinder units. The new engines are expected to deliver 35 percent reduction in fuel consumption, while maintaining the same level of performance. Revolution limits on the engines will be reduced from the current 18,000 rpm to a maximum of 12,000 rpm.

Revisions for the 2012 season will include the use of biomass-derived fuels, tighter suspension regulations and team communications made available to broadcasters.